Jonathan Djanogly, MP for Huntingdon, and Lucy Frazer, MP for South East Cambridgeshire recently met with the new CEO of Govia Thameslink, Patrick Verwer. Both MPs made representations on behalf of their constituents who have suffered delays and upset as a result of the chaotic service that commuters have had to endure for nearly two months.

Speaking after the meeting, Jonathan Djanogly said:

“I was assured by Mr Verwer that the new interim timetable which was put in place on 15 July is working and that the situation is now improving with fewer trains being cancelled. However, if any of my constituents have found this not to be the case I would like to hear from them via email at jonathan.djanogly.mp@parliament.uk so I can raise their concerns with Govia.”

“Following representations from constituents I raised the point that non-season ticket holders are not covered by the new compensation scheme. Mr Verwer responded that non-season ticket holders will also be able to apply for compensation through the usual routes if a train is more than 15 minutes late. Govia will be publishing further information on how to claim compensation.”

“As rail service timetables stabilise, it is expected that the full planned May timetable will be introduced in stages over the coming months. I understand early analysis has shown that the industry timetable developed by Network Rail was very late to be finalised. This resulted in Govia not having enough time to plan crew schedules or complete crew training. But it also emerging that Govia did not have enough drivers with the sufficient route knowledge required to operate the new timetable. It is concerning that Govia assured the Transport Secretary three weeks before the timetable change that they were ready to implement the changes. I now await the inquiry and please be assured that I will continue to hold both Govia and Transport Ministers to account until these issues are resolved.